Besides streamsides, what adjacent upland areas do Wood Turtles utilize during their active season?
Answer
Woodlands and meadows for foraging, nesting, and seeking refuge.
The Wood Turtle is semi-terrestrial, meaning its life cycle requires extensive use of both aquatic and terrestrial environments, especially during the active period from spring through fall. While the streams are vital for foraging and basking, the immediate adjacent uplands are indispensable. These areas, which include woodlands and open meadows, serve multiple functions: they are used for finding food resources, digging nests for egg laying, and seeking protective shelter from high temperatures or predators outside of the water. The surrounding forest cover is particularly important as it provides necessary shade during the hottest summer periods.
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